Rapid Replacement of SARS-CoV-2 Variants by Delta and Subsequent Arrival of Omicron, Uganda, 2021
Nicholas Bbosa, Deogratius Ssemwanga, Hamidah Namagembe, Ronald Kiiza, Jocelyn Kiconco, John Kayiwa, Tom Lutalo, Julius J. Lutwama, Alfred Ssekagiri, Isaac Ssewanyana, Susan Nabadda, Henry Kyobe-Bbosa, Jennifer Giandhari, Sureshnee Pillay, Upasana Ramphal, Yajna Ramphal, Yeshnee Naidoo, Derek Tshiabuila, Houriiyah Tegally, Emmanuel James San, Eduan Wilkinson, Túlio de Oliveira, Pontiano Kaleebu
Abstract
Genomic surveillance in Uganda showed rapid replacement of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 over time by variants, dominated by Delta. However, detection of the more transmissible Omicron variant among travelers and increasing community transmission highlight the need for near-real-time genomic surveillance and adherence to infection control measures to prevent future pandemic waves.